'Beefy, radical, aggressive': Nissan's new 4WD is the Xterra and it locks in against 2026 Ford Everest, Toyota LandCruiser Prado and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport with tough V6 4WD

The Xterra nameplate is making a return to Nissan's lineup, with the model expected to launch internationally in 2028. It will give Nissan a head-to-head competitor with ute-based SUV's like the Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Isuzu MU-X, as well as ladder-frame 4WDs like the Toyota LandCruier Prado.

It will also be packing one hell of a powertrain, with all reports pointing to an electrifed V6 engine – presumably a version of the V6 currently powering the US-market Frontier, which makes 228kW and 380Nm, without the addition of electrification. Reports suggest the electrified offering will up the grunt to more like 280kW.

The vehicle has already been shown to dealers in the USA, where onlookers described it as "beefy", "radical" and with "an aggression to it", praising its big tyres, muscular grille and its stripped-back focus on capability.

The new ladder-on-frame platform underpinning the XTerra will start a wave of new and tough products for Nissan, with five total models due, including an Infiniti version of the XTerra, and the next generation Pathfinder and Frontier ute.

It should also be rereshingly affordable. US media is pointing to a US$40,000 sticker price, or around $58,000 in our money.

"This is a white space because many competitors target the higher end of the adventure market. People desire a sense of freedom," the chairman of Nissan Americas, Christian Meunier, has previoiusly said of the Xterra.

"There‘s a return to authenticity and simplicity, not having all the gizmos and gadgets. People want a comfortable, functional and affordable vehicle."

If all of that is the good, the bad is that the model is not yet confirmed for Australia. It will be built in North America, and with that market in mind.